Chancellor Philip Hammond will have to find an extra £11billion, the equivalent of 3p on income tax, to fulfil the commitment.

The five-year funding deal will see the NHS budget grow faster than the economy and make it the Government’s top spending priority. In return, doctors will draw up plans to ensure every penny is spent wisely.

'FIGHT FROM WITHIN'

LET HER BACK

But No 10 admitted the country will be asked to “contribute a bit more” towards NHS funding. Mr Hammond will reveal the details in his autumn Budget. It is expected the balance will be paid for with a mixture of borrowing, savings and tax changes.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said last night: “We are backing the NHS to show the world what a cutting-edge 21st century healthcare system can look like.

“This long-term plan and historic funding boost is a fitting birthday present for our most loved institution. It recognises the superhuman efforts made by staff over the last few years to maintain services in the face of rapidly growing demand.”